In the time of war, when the world is broken by battle, the saviors of old
shall don their armor and draw their weapons to protect the land. Their
sacrifice will be in vain lest the First Emperor arise to unite them. If he
should join them the people will hail him as their hero, and he shall unite
what was broken.
_________________________________DAWN_________________________ __________
It rained. It always rained especially when Fu Xi fought.
Sword held low, he studied his opponent: Long, Brown hair, Fire red robes, and a face that was too pretty to be handsome, but too handsome to be pretty.
He wielded his iron sword lightly, showing that he relied on speed and agility more than strength.
In contrast, the bastard sword Fu Xi held was too heavy and big to be very fast, however his constant training had given him control over the blade beyond even that of lord Sun Jian.
Circling each other, the opponents searched each other's faces. They looked for that minute tightening at the corner of their eye that telegraphed the first blow.
His heart beating in rhythm to his breath, there! Moving in unison the swords clashed again and again spraying sparks.
Their faces lit by the sparks, his opponent flinched at something, taking the opening Fu Xi attacked.
Before his blow could connect, his opponent leapt. His blow throwing him off balance, Fu Xi slipped on the wet stone ground falling to one knee.
Just as he moved to rise, a sword whistled through the air to stop centimeters from his throat.
Swearing, the young warrior rose to his feet to stare into the smirking face of his half brother, Zhou Yu.
"You're dead little brother." Smirked the elder warrior.
"Yeah, yeah, listen monkey boy. Maybe if you would fight instead of float, I might have a chance." grumped the younger brother.
" Look Little Tiger, if I don't fight as best I can, then you won't develop as best you can and some soldier might get lucky. It's not that I care, but Xiao would do very bad, very painful things to me and I don't want that." Said the older brother with excessive hyperbole.
Fu Xi smiled, thinking about his brother's wife and her
sister.
At first he had had a little crush on Xiao and Da Qiao.
Eventually it turned into a kind of fierce protectiveness, not letting either of them leave the castle without a suitable escort.
Apparently they found this habit to be "cute" because they put up with it.
Unfortunately they couldn't seem to understand that he was an adult, even though he was taller than either of them at 6'3".
Hell, he was taller than anyone in the castle, except Huang Gai.
Then again Huang Gai was built like a tree, and though Fu Xi wasn't one that usually Judged others, he had to admit that Huang Gai was about as intelligent as a tree as well.
He meant well, but while trying to help he'd usually get in the way and help the enemy more.
"So, Xiao was wondering if you could make it to dinner tonight" Remarked Zhou Yu nonchalantly.
Fu Xi looked up sharply. This could only mean that Xiao was trying her hand at matchmaking again. He knew she meant well, but it was starting to frazzle his nerves. Why couldn't she just accept that he wasn't ready to marry yet?
"Hey, earth to Fu Xi, You got an answer little brother?"
Snapping out of his musings, the young warrior apologized and said that he couldn't make it because he was going to check out reports that bandits were attacking an outlying village.
"All right, I'll cover for you just this once. Just remember you owe me one." Zhou said. "Oh, and come back alive or Xiao will do some of those unpleasant things we talked about to me."
Fu Xi nodded and headed back to his room to prepare. Changing out of his sparring suit, He donned a Blue silk long sleeved shirt, Black leather pants and Black leather boots with steel fitted on the toes and the heel.
After putting on his breastplate he looked into the polished silver mirror. Dark brown hair shot with gold lay over a serious, (and handsome he had been told.) face. His eyes shone a bright sky blue, and his skin was a pale tone like the moon.
Shrugging in the mirror he decided to go down to the stables and borrow a horse.
Upon entering, he found the only sister of the Sun family, Sun Shang Xiang.
"Good morning Xiang." said the young warrior. "What's new?"
Looking up, the warrior maiden graced him with a smile and held out the hilt of a sword. She held out the hilt because she couldn't lift it. This was made apparent by the drag trail leading from the tip of the sheath out the door.
"I heard you were leaving and since I can't go with ya, I'm giving you your birthday present early." She replied.
"How'd you hear I was leaving?"
"Your brother told me." She grinned.
Fu Xi sighed and rolled his eyes; news traveled fast in this castle. His musing was broken by a very fake sounding sniffle.
"Didn't you want to say good bye?" Xiang said with exaggerated sniffling and carrying on.
"It's not that, I'm just trying to get out before our collective sister in laws find a way to make me stay." He said wearily.
Her face assumed the bright happy go lucky smile it always seemed to have. "Are they trying to set you up again? No wonder you want to leave. Well before you hop on your horse try out the present I got you." Holding said gift forward, she continued, "It was blessed by a magic weaver. Plus it was forged by a master smith. Come on pick it up, pick it up."
With a smile Fu Xi reached forward and easily lifted the enormous weapon out of it's sheath. Holding it aloft, he felt out the weight and balance and was surprised to find that it actually seemed to be making him stronger.
Meanwhile Xiang was wide eyed. She had tried to lift it but couldn't, Even Zhou Yu and her brother Ce had trouble holding it with BOTH hands. Here was the little boy she had teased since she was five swinging it as though it were no more than a mokum.
Well when in doubt get flamboyant. "So, do you like it?"
"Yes, It's a magnificent weapon, Thanks Xiang." came his reply.
Smiling widely Xiang went up and kissed him on the cheek. "Better hurry up or you won't escape." With that she left the room giggling.
Desperately trying to repress a blush, he decided it was time to leave. If Xiang had heard, then the Qiao's were probably already searching for him. With this thought in mind he saddled up and road through the gates for dear life.
The tall dark figure moved from the shadows and scurried back to his master. "He has gone lord Sun." Said Huang Gai, moving into the light.
"Good, Follow him, Should the chance arise, Kill him."
"Yes lord Sun."
The day had been rather uneventful for Fu Xi. Nothing out of the ordinary, except for the feeling he was being watched. Setting wards, He settled down to sleep.
TO FACE THE HORRORS OF THE NIGHT, THE FIRST EMPEROR OF
THE DAWN MUST HAVE THE STRENGTH OF AN OGRE...
Sitting straight up, Fu Xi tried to stop trembling. The voice in his dreams had shaken him to the core. Slowly he got ahold of himself and realized it was morning. Packing quickly, he left his Great Sword out, tying it on last for easy access. He might be paranoid but a little caution never hurt.
Slowly the sound of battle became clear and the young warrior spurred his mighty horse forward. Coming into view was a small village being burned and townspeople being slaughtered. Rage burned in the heart of the young swordsman, and he drew his mighty blade, heading straight into the thick of it.
Fu Xi used his sword like a scythe, the soldiers falling beneath him like wheat. He drove his war-horse forward, those who couldn't move fast enough were trampled beneath it's powerful hooves.
The rage within was suddenly unleashed when Fu Xi recognized the uniforms as those of the Wu army. Leaping of his horse, he clove an officer in two, then proceeded to wade through the soldiers, moving from skirmish to skirmish only leaving when all the soldiers were dead.
Gore dripping from his blade the young warrior turned his burning gaze on the other soldiers who had stopped to see why their comrades were dying. His rage was son great as to be an almost physical presence. The remaining soldiers took one look, wet themselves, and fled.
So engrossed in his need to eradicate this enemy, Fu Xi didn't hear the horse coming at him till a large club hit the back of his skull. The last thing he saw was a horse galloping away with a large warrior in red on it.
The Darkness clawed at him, tearing his flesh, trying to eat him! Clawing, biting, slashing, gnawing. He had to fight.... A...Beacon? Yes, light, blessed light! He had to reach it.... Almost there.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The young man sat straight up, surprising the young girl next to him and sending the cat sleeping on his chest flying.
He grabbed his face, willing his body to stop shaking. The darkness was gone. He was sitting in a warm bed, as gentle sunlight fell upon him through a window, making his pale skin seem to glow with a golden light.
He became aware of two things very quickly: There was a girl no older than sixteen next to him, and except for the bed covers, he was very naked.
Blushing the young man pulled the sheets around himself and tried to think of something to say.
He was saved the trouble when an old man with a long beard, and an older woman who was noticeably plump, and motherly looking, rushed in to see what the yelling was about.
They both looked extremely surprised that the young man was awake much less sitting up. The older woman asked what was wrong.
He didn't respond at first, slowly looking up, he asked where he was.
The old woman smiled and said the name of the village.
Thinking for a moment he realized he was not far from the coast. Suddenly it occurred to him that he didn't know how he knew. In fact he couldn't remember his name.
The old man, seeing the confusion on his face understood and shooed the women out of the room despite the arguments of both.
The young man looked up and saw the look of empathy in the eyes of the old man. Looking at those kind eyes made him calmer and able to explain his lack of memory.
The old man told him not to be surprised, and that considering the damage that had been done by the club to the back of his skull it was amazing he was still alive.
Feeling the back of his skull he was surprised to find it whole and strong. He looked at the old man quizzically.
The old man smiled and explained that his sixteen-year- old daughter was also a healer. He continued to add that she had stayed with him the whole time, apparently to make sure he recovered correctly. It didn't help that the old man had a twinkle in his eye and a knowing smile on his face.
Deciding to change the subject he inquired as to where his clothes were.
The old man gestured to the foot of the bed where the young man saw his leather boots and pants, both of which had been cleaned and shined. He saw also a black silk shirt in the martial style: sleeveless, with a high collar and cloth fastening down the front.
The young man dressed quickly after the older man left. Then proceeded down to the first level of the house. (Apparently the old man was also the chief of the village, so he had a big house that was mostly untouched by the raid.)
Leaving the room quickly he almost ran into the young girl from before. She was only as tall as his chest and had eyes like purple jade. Her hair was soft and dark brown, coming down to her shoulders. She had a lean shapely body that was very feline in it's grace, and there was no other way to say it, she was absolutely beautiful.
She quickly apologized, at exactly the same time as the young man. They both blinked and she lowered her eyes. She introduced herself as Nu Wa, and informed him that breakfast was ready.
The young man thanked her and apologized for not introducing himself.
She told him she knew about his condition, she had sensed it during the healing. She went on to say that if he wanted she would call him Tam. She explained that it meant "good friend" in an old tongue. He said he would not mind. The name tickled the back of his mind, and he sensed it meant more than that, but he didn't mind, for some reason he liked the idea of her calling him that. He decided to not let anyone but her address him so. She smiled and said that he could address her as Min, and said it meant the same as his name but for a girl.
They entered a cozy room with a low table and sat down to have breakfast. He was served rice, fish and some kind of plumb wine. He noticed that Nu Wa had not been given wine but water instead. Asking if it might not be too much trouble he wondered if he could have water as well.
The old woman looked delighted and said of coarse he could have water, giving a meaningful glance at the old man who continued to drink his wine, quickly refilling it every few minutes.
After finishing their meal the young girl proceeded to show him the village. Soon he could hear the sounds of metal on metal, fearing the worst he hurried over only to see villagers with old iron swords hacking at each other with no skill or technique. Wincing, he tactfully suggested that they might be able to use some instruction.
Looking up at him she asked if he would be willing to teach them.
Thinking for a second, he agreed.
She whistled shrilly and all activity on the field stopped. All the young men smiled when they saw her then frowned when they saw the strong, young warrior next to her. Apparently she was being pursued by many of the young men; she seemed rather indifferent to them however.
Explaining that they weren't very experienced with blades, she told them that the young warrior had agreed to train them.
There was grumbling from a few of the younger men about outsiders, but the men who recognized the young warrior were smiling eagerly. They had witnessed his skill and seen him turn an army with a look. Needless to say they wished to be like this young hero.
Picking up one of the swords, he asked if the best of the village would face him so he knew how much training they needed. To his slight surprise the young woman from earlier picked up a sword to face him. His surprise stemmed not from her being a woman but rather from the fact that she was good enough not to be challenged by a young man with a big ego.
Smiling he assumed fighting stance. She too assumed a stance, aside from the fact that to the young warrior it seemed obvious she was not used to the broadsword, she had good form. As well as a very nice form he added mentally before he could stop himself.
She attacked almost immediately, apparently the weapon she used was lighter than this for her movements were a second behind where she thought they would be. He easily evaded as he was used to a much heavier weapon. After a few minutes of dancing with the blades he signaled her to stop.
"You're very good, have you had any formal training with the rapier, or did you teach yourself?" He asked.
She blushed at the compliment and affirmed that she had taught herself.
Nodding, he examined the sword he held and informed the crowed that they would start their training with a carved stick. When he saw the rebellious looks on their faces he explained that everyone started that way and had not received his first metal sword until he had trained for five years with the wooden one, and could repel three other men who had metal blades while he only had the wooden one.
He then added that their weapons had to be reforged anyway. To emphasize his point he took the sword he was holding with a hand on either end and slowly and deliberately Bent it until it snapped.
Looking less sure of themselves and not a little unnerved, The men turned in their weapons to search for wood to carve into mokums.
Looking very impressed, the girl asked if he wanted to go to the forge.
He agreed, so they set off for it holding the swords in two baskets.
After talking to the smith they went back to her house where she asked why he didn't seem surprised that she was the villages best warrior.
He explained that he had known plenty of female warriors.... Even if he couldn't think of their names right now.
The day was spent rather uneventfully, talking for the most part. He found he liked this strong young woman, and wanted to spend time with her. So with very little resistance he let himself be talked into teaching her to fight. He also decided to teach her to read and write as well. She was an apt pupil in both fighting and writing, so most of the time was spent sparring and talking.
Months passed and the villagers were improving every day. They had thrown back two raids since the day the young warrior arrived, and trained very hard. The young warrior took this as a sign that he was done here.
He headed back to the chief's home to pack up. Explaining that they could defend themselves just as well without him, he said that he wanted to find who he was, and where he came from.
The old woman cried and hugged him, asking him to stay just a bit longer, but the old man said that they could not ask him to stay.
Going upstairs to say good bye to Nu Wa he got a feeling of great sadness, upon knocking she told him to enter and he was surprised to see her in full traveling leather, Especially since it was green, an odd color for leather. When he inquired where she was going she gave him the "are you an idiot?" look, and said, "With you of coarse."
Blinking, he said that he would not risk her life by taking her on a possibly dangerous journey.
Giving him a look of disbelief, followed by a tearful look of hurt surprise that made him feel his heart would shatter, she told him to get out, then fell upon her bed, crying.
Feeling like a complete bastard he packed up his remaining belongings and set out for the stables. After a feeling of deja vu, he headed out and considered where to look first.
He was surprised to find Nu Wa waiting outside for him. She said that if she couldn't go she could at least advise him on where to start looking.
Smiling, the young warrior reached under his shirt and held out a blue crystal pendant on a silver chain. He explained that from what he remembered it glowed when it was close to him. So she could find him if she ever needed help.
Blushing, she put the necklace on and told him the name of a good inn down by the cost in a big port city. If no one recognized him there than he must come from very far away.
Watching her go back inside, he smiled as he felt her presence through the bond he had with the crystal. She would always be with him as long as she wore it. Mounting his horse, The young warrior headed towards the port town as the morning shone with the first gray of morning twilight.
To be continued...
_________________________________DAWN_________________________ __________
It rained. It always rained especially when Fu Xi fought.
Sword held low, he studied his opponent: Long, Brown hair, Fire red robes, and a face that was too pretty to be handsome, but too handsome to be pretty.
He wielded his iron sword lightly, showing that he relied on speed and agility more than strength.
In contrast, the bastard sword Fu Xi held was too heavy and big to be very fast, however his constant training had given him control over the blade beyond even that of lord Sun Jian.
Circling each other, the opponents searched each other's faces. They looked for that minute tightening at the corner of their eye that telegraphed the first blow.
His heart beating in rhythm to his breath, there! Moving in unison the swords clashed again and again spraying sparks.
Their faces lit by the sparks, his opponent flinched at something, taking the opening Fu Xi attacked.
Before his blow could connect, his opponent leapt. His blow throwing him off balance, Fu Xi slipped on the wet stone ground falling to one knee.
Just as he moved to rise, a sword whistled through the air to stop centimeters from his throat.
Swearing, the young warrior rose to his feet to stare into the smirking face of his half brother, Zhou Yu.
"You're dead little brother." Smirked the elder warrior.
"Yeah, yeah, listen monkey boy. Maybe if you would fight instead of float, I might have a chance." grumped the younger brother.
" Look Little Tiger, if I don't fight as best I can, then you won't develop as best you can and some soldier might get lucky. It's not that I care, but Xiao would do very bad, very painful things to me and I don't want that." Said the older brother with excessive hyperbole.
Fu Xi smiled, thinking about his brother's wife and her
sister.
At first he had had a little crush on Xiao and Da Qiao.
Eventually it turned into a kind of fierce protectiveness, not letting either of them leave the castle without a suitable escort.
Apparently they found this habit to be "cute" because they put up with it.
Unfortunately they couldn't seem to understand that he was an adult, even though he was taller than either of them at 6'3".
Hell, he was taller than anyone in the castle, except Huang Gai.
Then again Huang Gai was built like a tree, and though Fu Xi wasn't one that usually Judged others, he had to admit that Huang Gai was about as intelligent as a tree as well.
He meant well, but while trying to help he'd usually get in the way and help the enemy more.
"So, Xiao was wondering if you could make it to dinner tonight" Remarked Zhou Yu nonchalantly.
Fu Xi looked up sharply. This could only mean that Xiao was trying her hand at matchmaking again. He knew she meant well, but it was starting to frazzle his nerves. Why couldn't she just accept that he wasn't ready to marry yet?
"Hey, earth to Fu Xi, You got an answer little brother?"
Snapping out of his musings, the young warrior apologized and said that he couldn't make it because he was going to check out reports that bandits were attacking an outlying village.
"All right, I'll cover for you just this once. Just remember you owe me one." Zhou said. "Oh, and come back alive or Xiao will do some of those unpleasant things we talked about to me."
Fu Xi nodded and headed back to his room to prepare. Changing out of his sparring suit, He donned a Blue silk long sleeved shirt, Black leather pants and Black leather boots with steel fitted on the toes and the heel.
After putting on his breastplate he looked into the polished silver mirror. Dark brown hair shot with gold lay over a serious, (and handsome he had been told.) face. His eyes shone a bright sky blue, and his skin was a pale tone like the moon.
Shrugging in the mirror he decided to go down to the stables and borrow a horse.
Upon entering, he found the only sister of the Sun family, Sun Shang Xiang.
"Good morning Xiang." said the young warrior. "What's new?"
Looking up, the warrior maiden graced him with a smile and held out the hilt of a sword. She held out the hilt because she couldn't lift it. This was made apparent by the drag trail leading from the tip of the sheath out the door.
"I heard you were leaving and since I can't go with ya, I'm giving you your birthday present early." She replied.
"How'd you hear I was leaving?"
"Your brother told me." She grinned.
Fu Xi sighed and rolled his eyes; news traveled fast in this castle. His musing was broken by a very fake sounding sniffle.
"Didn't you want to say good bye?" Xiang said with exaggerated sniffling and carrying on.
"It's not that, I'm just trying to get out before our collective sister in laws find a way to make me stay." He said wearily.
Her face assumed the bright happy go lucky smile it always seemed to have. "Are they trying to set you up again? No wonder you want to leave. Well before you hop on your horse try out the present I got you." Holding said gift forward, she continued, "It was blessed by a magic weaver. Plus it was forged by a master smith. Come on pick it up, pick it up."
With a smile Fu Xi reached forward and easily lifted the enormous weapon out of it's sheath. Holding it aloft, he felt out the weight and balance and was surprised to find that it actually seemed to be making him stronger.
Meanwhile Xiang was wide eyed. She had tried to lift it but couldn't, Even Zhou Yu and her brother Ce had trouble holding it with BOTH hands. Here was the little boy she had teased since she was five swinging it as though it were no more than a mokum.
Well when in doubt get flamboyant. "So, do you like it?"
"Yes, It's a magnificent weapon, Thanks Xiang." came his reply.
Smiling widely Xiang went up and kissed him on the cheek. "Better hurry up or you won't escape." With that she left the room giggling.
Desperately trying to repress a blush, he decided it was time to leave. If Xiang had heard, then the Qiao's were probably already searching for him. With this thought in mind he saddled up and road through the gates for dear life.
The tall dark figure moved from the shadows and scurried back to his master. "He has gone lord Sun." Said Huang Gai, moving into the light.
"Good, Follow him, Should the chance arise, Kill him."
"Yes lord Sun."
The day had been rather uneventful for Fu Xi. Nothing out of the ordinary, except for the feeling he was being watched. Setting wards, He settled down to sleep.
TO FACE THE HORRORS OF THE NIGHT, THE FIRST EMPEROR OF
THE DAWN MUST HAVE THE STRENGTH OF AN OGRE...
Sitting straight up, Fu Xi tried to stop trembling. The voice in his dreams had shaken him to the core. Slowly he got ahold of himself and realized it was morning. Packing quickly, he left his Great Sword out, tying it on last for easy access. He might be paranoid but a little caution never hurt.
Slowly the sound of battle became clear and the young warrior spurred his mighty horse forward. Coming into view was a small village being burned and townspeople being slaughtered. Rage burned in the heart of the young swordsman, and he drew his mighty blade, heading straight into the thick of it.
Fu Xi used his sword like a scythe, the soldiers falling beneath him like wheat. He drove his war-horse forward, those who couldn't move fast enough were trampled beneath it's powerful hooves.
The rage within was suddenly unleashed when Fu Xi recognized the uniforms as those of the Wu army. Leaping of his horse, he clove an officer in two, then proceeded to wade through the soldiers, moving from skirmish to skirmish only leaving when all the soldiers were dead.
Gore dripping from his blade the young warrior turned his burning gaze on the other soldiers who had stopped to see why their comrades were dying. His rage was son great as to be an almost physical presence. The remaining soldiers took one look, wet themselves, and fled.
So engrossed in his need to eradicate this enemy, Fu Xi didn't hear the horse coming at him till a large club hit the back of his skull. The last thing he saw was a horse galloping away with a large warrior in red on it.
The Darkness clawed at him, tearing his flesh, trying to eat him! Clawing, biting, slashing, gnawing. He had to fight.... A...Beacon? Yes, light, blessed light! He had to reach it.... Almost there.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The young man sat straight up, surprising the young girl next to him and sending the cat sleeping on his chest flying.
He grabbed his face, willing his body to stop shaking. The darkness was gone. He was sitting in a warm bed, as gentle sunlight fell upon him through a window, making his pale skin seem to glow with a golden light.
He became aware of two things very quickly: There was a girl no older than sixteen next to him, and except for the bed covers, he was very naked.
Blushing the young man pulled the sheets around himself and tried to think of something to say.
He was saved the trouble when an old man with a long beard, and an older woman who was noticeably plump, and motherly looking, rushed in to see what the yelling was about.
They both looked extremely surprised that the young man was awake much less sitting up. The older woman asked what was wrong.
He didn't respond at first, slowly looking up, he asked where he was.
The old woman smiled and said the name of the village.
Thinking for a moment he realized he was not far from the coast. Suddenly it occurred to him that he didn't know how he knew. In fact he couldn't remember his name.
The old man, seeing the confusion on his face understood and shooed the women out of the room despite the arguments of both.
The young man looked up and saw the look of empathy in the eyes of the old man. Looking at those kind eyes made him calmer and able to explain his lack of memory.
The old man told him not to be surprised, and that considering the damage that had been done by the club to the back of his skull it was amazing he was still alive.
Feeling the back of his skull he was surprised to find it whole and strong. He looked at the old man quizzically.
The old man smiled and explained that his sixteen-year- old daughter was also a healer. He continued to add that she had stayed with him the whole time, apparently to make sure he recovered correctly. It didn't help that the old man had a twinkle in his eye and a knowing smile on his face.
Deciding to change the subject he inquired as to where his clothes were.
The old man gestured to the foot of the bed where the young man saw his leather boots and pants, both of which had been cleaned and shined. He saw also a black silk shirt in the martial style: sleeveless, with a high collar and cloth fastening down the front.
The young man dressed quickly after the older man left. Then proceeded down to the first level of the house. (Apparently the old man was also the chief of the village, so he had a big house that was mostly untouched by the raid.)
Leaving the room quickly he almost ran into the young girl from before. She was only as tall as his chest and had eyes like purple jade. Her hair was soft and dark brown, coming down to her shoulders. She had a lean shapely body that was very feline in it's grace, and there was no other way to say it, she was absolutely beautiful.
She quickly apologized, at exactly the same time as the young man. They both blinked and she lowered her eyes. She introduced herself as Nu Wa, and informed him that breakfast was ready.
The young man thanked her and apologized for not introducing himself.
She told him she knew about his condition, she had sensed it during the healing. She went on to say that if he wanted she would call him Tam. She explained that it meant "good friend" in an old tongue. He said he would not mind. The name tickled the back of his mind, and he sensed it meant more than that, but he didn't mind, for some reason he liked the idea of her calling him that. He decided to not let anyone but her address him so. She smiled and said that he could address her as Min, and said it meant the same as his name but for a girl.
They entered a cozy room with a low table and sat down to have breakfast. He was served rice, fish and some kind of plumb wine. He noticed that Nu Wa had not been given wine but water instead. Asking if it might not be too much trouble he wondered if he could have water as well.
The old woman looked delighted and said of coarse he could have water, giving a meaningful glance at the old man who continued to drink his wine, quickly refilling it every few minutes.
After finishing their meal the young girl proceeded to show him the village. Soon he could hear the sounds of metal on metal, fearing the worst he hurried over only to see villagers with old iron swords hacking at each other with no skill or technique. Wincing, he tactfully suggested that they might be able to use some instruction.
Looking up at him she asked if he would be willing to teach them.
Thinking for a second, he agreed.
She whistled shrilly and all activity on the field stopped. All the young men smiled when they saw her then frowned when they saw the strong, young warrior next to her. Apparently she was being pursued by many of the young men; she seemed rather indifferent to them however.
Explaining that they weren't very experienced with blades, she told them that the young warrior had agreed to train them.
There was grumbling from a few of the younger men about outsiders, but the men who recognized the young warrior were smiling eagerly. They had witnessed his skill and seen him turn an army with a look. Needless to say they wished to be like this young hero.
Picking up one of the swords, he asked if the best of the village would face him so he knew how much training they needed. To his slight surprise the young woman from earlier picked up a sword to face him. His surprise stemmed not from her being a woman but rather from the fact that she was good enough not to be challenged by a young man with a big ego.
Smiling he assumed fighting stance. She too assumed a stance, aside from the fact that to the young warrior it seemed obvious she was not used to the broadsword, she had good form. As well as a very nice form he added mentally before he could stop himself.
She attacked almost immediately, apparently the weapon she used was lighter than this for her movements were a second behind where she thought they would be. He easily evaded as he was used to a much heavier weapon. After a few minutes of dancing with the blades he signaled her to stop.
"You're very good, have you had any formal training with the rapier, or did you teach yourself?" He asked.
She blushed at the compliment and affirmed that she had taught herself.
Nodding, he examined the sword he held and informed the crowed that they would start their training with a carved stick. When he saw the rebellious looks on their faces he explained that everyone started that way and had not received his first metal sword until he had trained for five years with the wooden one, and could repel three other men who had metal blades while he only had the wooden one.
He then added that their weapons had to be reforged anyway. To emphasize his point he took the sword he was holding with a hand on either end and slowly and deliberately Bent it until it snapped.
Looking less sure of themselves and not a little unnerved, The men turned in their weapons to search for wood to carve into mokums.
Looking very impressed, the girl asked if he wanted to go to the forge.
He agreed, so they set off for it holding the swords in two baskets.
After talking to the smith they went back to her house where she asked why he didn't seem surprised that she was the villages best warrior.
He explained that he had known plenty of female warriors.... Even if he couldn't think of their names right now.
The day was spent rather uneventfully, talking for the most part. He found he liked this strong young woman, and wanted to spend time with her. So with very little resistance he let himself be talked into teaching her to fight. He also decided to teach her to read and write as well. She was an apt pupil in both fighting and writing, so most of the time was spent sparring and talking.
Months passed and the villagers were improving every day. They had thrown back two raids since the day the young warrior arrived, and trained very hard. The young warrior took this as a sign that he was done here.
He headed back to the chief's home to pack up. Explaining that they could defend themselves just as well without him, he said that he wanted to find who he was, and where he came from.
The old woman cried and hugged him, asking him to stay just a bit longer, but the old man said that they could not ask him to stay.
Going upstairs to say good bye to Nu Wa he got a feeling of great sadness, upon knocking she told him to enter and he was surprised to see her in full traveling leather, Especially since it was green, an odd color for leather. When he inquired where she was going she gave him the "are you an idiot?" look, and said, "With you of coarse."
Blinking, he said that he would not risk her life by taking her on a possibly dangerous journey.
Giving him a look of disbelief, followed by a tearful look of hurt surprise that made him feel his heart would shatter, she told him to get out, then fell upon her bed, crying.
Feeling like a complete bastard he packed up his remaining belongings and set out for the stables. After a feeling of deja vu, he headed out and considered where to look first.
He was surprised to find Nu Wa waiting outside for him. She said that if she couldn't go she could at least advise him on where to start looking.
Smiling, the young warrior reached under his shirt and held out a blue crystal pendant on a silver chain. He explained that from what he remembered it glowed when it was close to him. So she could find him if she ever needed help.
Blushing, she put the necklace on and told him the name of a good inn down by the cost in a big port city. If no one recognized him there than he must come from very far away.
Watching her go back inside, he smiled as he felt her presence through the bond he had with the crystal. She would always be with him as long as she wore it. Mounting his horse, The young warrior headed towards the port town as the morning shone with the first gray of morning twilight.
To be continued...
